How To Handle Constipation

Most of us, as we go about our daily business, don't give a second thought to intestinal health – that is, until a problem develops. Apart from infectious problems – like stomach flu – the most common difficulty is one we don't like to talk about, and may not even recognize: constipation.

People often don't recognize the cause of their symptoms – a feeling of being bloated and lethargic, nausea or other stomach upset, an acid stomach, and sometimes even abdominal pain. They think they ate too much food, or the wrong kind of food. In reality, constipation may be what is wrong.

What can you do if you're suffering this way? Most people think of laxatives first, but this is a bad idea. While they solve the problem right now, they just encourage your colon to be lazy, and increase the chance of having the same problem again. There are some other measures you can try.

You might try drinking a lot of water; some people find that drinking hot liquids encourages their bowels to become more active. Getting up and moving around can often help your digestive system; a walk around the block can help a lot.

If you're not able to go outdoors, try some bending and stretching exercises indoors. Sometimes it helps to massage your lower abdomen, carefully. If you have the sensation that your bowels would be ready to move, pay attention. Spend time in the bathroom rather than rushing.

If none of these methods help, and if your problem has continued for quite some time, you might have to consider using a laxative this time – but that's also an indicator to make some lifestyle changes. Once you are past the immediate problem, how can you avoid a repeat?

There are a few points that can make a big difference in your intestinal health. The first is to include regular exercise – not necessarily heavy, but regular – in your daily life. A 15 minute walk after meals can be beneficial, or time with any exercise equipment you may have in the house.

Anything that gets all of your moving will help your bowels to keep moving too. If your job keeps you sitting in a chair all day, get up every hour or so to move around. Changes to your diet are also important. Drinking plenty of fluids can help – but reduce alcohol and coffee as these can dehydrate your system.

Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, as are whole grain foods; these bulk up in the intestines and keep your colon working smoothly. One of the simplest changes is free and can be done anywhere: chew your food more thoroughly.

Digestion really begins with chewing; when we gulp down food without spending time to chew it thoroughly, we're forcing the stomach and intestines to do more work. Saliva actually includes chemicals that break down the food. No matter what you're eating, you can chew it a little more.

There's even an added benefit: you're likely to eat a little less as well. These few changes will help you get through the current problem and avoid future ones.

You can learn more with this Bowtrol Review.